More than 1 in 3 trans employees have left work due to discrimination

More than one third (36%) of trans people admit to having left a job because of discrimination in the workplace, according to new research by totaljobs.

The data also revealed that 60% of trans employees have experienced some form of transphobic discrimination in the workplace.

The research, which surveyed more than 400 trans workers from different industries across the UK, found that over half (53%) of trans people feel the need to hide their trans status from colleagues. As a result, 43% admitted to actively looking for companies with trans-friendly policies before applying for jobs.

Transphobic discrimination was most likely to come from colleagues (38%), and then from management (25%). This has led to more than one third (36%) of trans people leaving a job because the environment was unwelcoming. More than one quarter (29%) have faced discrimination as early as the interview stage.

The survey also uncovered evidence of positive progress with 51% of trans employees believing that acceptance and understanding of trans employees in the workplace has improved due to increased media focus on trans issues. While, 50% of those surveyed claimed to have received positive reactions from colleagues when they transitioned.

John Salt, group sales director at totaljobs, said, “We hope that the findings of this report will generate further support and greater awareness of the employment issues facing trans workers, but clearly there is more to be done. Sadly, discrimination in the workplace has been compounded by a lack of support from employers. Our survey reveals that more than a fifth (21%) of employees said that there was no provision for trans people at their workplace, and 24% had received no support or guidance from their HR departments when transitioning.

“A diverse workplace fosters greater creativity and benefit, company culture, not just skills and experience, but by creating an environment where people enjoy to work.”